Impact Resistant Headgear

ABSTRACT

An impact reducing headgear is disclosed which utilizes dynamically responsive materials which undergo physical changes during exposure to impact forces, such that physical changes or phase changes absorb energy. The helmet may be constructed with a dual shell structure and a bladder, where the dynamically responsive materials may be contained.

BACKGROUND

Many sports, extracurricular activities, and occupations, involvecontact. Various of these activities involve exposure of the head torapid stressing, and these impact forces have been found to cause injuryto the brain. Moreover, it has also been found that less traumatic, butrepetitive instances of stressing the brain, causes injury over time.

More recently, scientists have studied a disease, now known as ChronicTraumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) which is being diagnosed in ex-footballplayers. It is believed to result from the injury the brain receiveswhen it impacts the inside of the skull; thus, the focus on diagnosisand prevention needs to consider two impacts, the initial impact to theexternal side of the skull, and the internal impact where the brainimpacts the inside of the skull. This motion referred to ascoup-contrecoup (C-C) action is a potential cause of CTE, even occurringin small or minor impacts. The brain is somewhat mobile inside theskull, as it rests in cerebrospinal fluid; it is not rigidly attached tothe skull, and this feature serves to protect it well, except duringinstances of impact.

The C-C damage, it is believed, may occur with less injury than what hasbeen shown to cause a typical concussion. That is, CTE may result wherenormal symptoms seen in a concussion (e.g., dizziness, loss of memory,vomiting, vertigo, and loss of consciousness) are not experienced;further, there may be no brain bleeding or recognized swelling. Themodality of the disease appears to progressive, and triggered by impactto cause a buildup of an abnormal protein in the brain referred to asTau.

While it is easy to understand many sports and other activities that mayinvolve head impact, to varying degrees, the most prevalence of CTE isin ex-football players. In fact, this past March, the National FootballLeague first publicly acknowledged a connection between football andCTE. The NFL had appointed a Doctor to a newly created position of ChiefHealth and Medical Advisor in 2015, perhaps among other things, tomonitor this disease and the current state of the game.

Their currently is no treatment for CTE, and the only sure way todiagnose it is through an autopsy. Symptoms of CTE include nausea,disorientation, memory loss, confusion, mood swings, and depression. Allof these symptoms are common to other issues, situations, or ailments,further making diagnoses more difficult. These elusive diagnoses arebelieved to have limited the attention to CTE over the years. Othersports are gaining visibility with participants at high levels beginningto speak out; for example, people from soccer, rugby, and boxing haverecently been more vocal about symptoms and concerns. Clearly, thereexists a need for protective head gear, for all ages and various sports,whether it is for protect from chronic indications such as CTE or acuteconditions such as a concussion.

SUMMARY

The current invention attempts to limit C-C injury resulting fromimpact, by absorbing energy from said impact through constructs ofenergy absorbing materials or constructs of head gear geometry, as wellas combinations of these approaches.

In a preferred embodiment, the head gear has a dual shell structure;wherein the dual shell structure consists of an inner shell and an outershell with a functional gap located between the shells. The functionalgap may contain a bladder which in turn may contain a dynamicallyresponsive material or member.

The dynamically responsive materials disclosed and described hereininclude materials broadly classified as thixotropic, rheopectic, anddilatantic. These various embodiments contemplate materials, mixtures,and compounds recognized by those skilled in the art to exhibitproperties common to these broad classes of materials; examplesdisclosed or described herein are not meant to be limiting.

Thixotropic materials demonstrate “thixotropy” which is a time-dependentshear thinning property. These types of materials are very thick orviscous under static conditions; but they will flow, become thin or lessviscous over time when shaken, agitated, sheared or otherwise stressed.This unique feature is commonly referred to as time dependent viscosity.When the transformational stresses are released or discontinued, thematerials will then return to the original more viscous state; however,this transgression does take a finite period of time.

Certain paints exhibit thixotropy, and can utilize this property to beapplied more easily to their target substrate. This, the paint existsinitially in a gel form; but the gel becomes very fluid as a paint brushor other applicator is inserted and agitated. The induced fluidity aidsin the paint coating the applicator, but as the stresses (or energyinput from the applicator agitating the gel) reside the paint returns toits gel state. This return to the original state allows the paint toremain on the applicator without dripping; again, as the applicatorcontacts the wall or target surface energy is again absorbed causing thethinning of the paint, which affords the material a thinning conditionenabling an easy transfer to the target.

Similarly, when a helmet containing a thixotropic material encounters arapid stressing, the gel absorbs energy while becoming more fluid. Thisabsorption of energy is tailorable, based upon the type of thixotropicmaterial. Additionally, various compositions could be used in concert,whether housed in a single or multiple bladders.

Interestingly, certain materials exhibit a rheopectic nature, which isfundamentally the opposite of thixotropy. That is, as stress is appliedto a rheopectic material, its viscosity increases; along with theviscosity increase is the concomitant absorption of energy. Similarlywith thixotropic materials, the energy absorption is not instantaneous,as some material transitions can be (especially those involvingisothermal phase changes).

It is recognized that a rheopectic and a thixotropic material could beused in concert. This dual material composition could be used to tailorthe “feel” of a material, as one absorbs energy so does the other, soeach material could serve to dampen the effects of the other. Of course,while they would dampen the resulting effect on mechanical properties,they would both absorb energy; this dual energy absorption could resultin a favorable design that absorbs more energy than a single materialdesign.

A further modification or tailoring of properties may be made by anaddition of a dilatant fluid or dilatant material. Dilatant fluids aresimilar to rheopectic materials, but they are different in a manner thatmay be very significant in this application. Dilatant fluids, while oflow viscosity at an un-agitated or non-stressed state, become highlyviscous nearly instantaneously; which may also be beneficial to thisdesign on its own, or as a component of a blend or composite ofmaterials. This fluid is a non-Newtonian fluid, just as thixotropic andrheopectic fluids are; that is, viscosity varies with stress and stressapplication rate. It is recognized that blending of these types ofmaterials together, or using them separately but in concert (as in acomposite construct) could positively alter the strain response profile.The profile could be influenced by not only the selection of eachmaterial, but also by the volume ratio of each type of material. It isalso recognized that as the stress is being absorbed, the rate oftransition in each material may be different; thus the pseudoplasticresponse rate could be affected by things such as, but not limited to,the response factor of the component materials.

In another preferred embodiment, the design or placement of the bladderor the dynamic responsive material renders the helmet to have propertiesthat are oriented and cause the helmet to absorb increased energy. Suchorientation may be achieved with distinctly varied dynamicallyresponsive materials being located at strategic places or regions, whichcauses the helmet to move or rotate upon a phase change or other dynamicresponse to the impact.

In another preferred embodiment, the dual shell structure is arrangedsuch that the outer shell is less rigid than the inner shell, such thatsaid outer shell deflects upon impact thereby absorbing energy. In suchembodiment the rigid, or less flexible inner shell, serves to protectthe skull by maintaining continuous contact. The deflection of the outershell may cause a transition in the dynamically responsive materialwhich may be located in between the dual shells. There may be more thanone dynamically responsive material, as well as other materialsexhibiting preferred properties.

In another preferred embodiment, a protective head gear has a dual shellstructure, having an inner shell and an outer shell, with such innershell being separated from said outer shell by a functional gap. Adynamically responsive material may be contained in such functional gap,which may be with the aid of a bladder. An engagement member may beaffixed to said inner and outer shells, wherein a compressive strain ona first side of the helmet results or is translated into a tensilestrain on the opposing side of the helmet. The engagement member may bea flexible member, a columnar structural member, other member suitableto transfer stress, or it may be the dynamically responsive memberitself. The deformation or deflection of the engagement member may applystress to the dynamically responsive member, and such stress may cause aphase change or other response which absorbs energy.

In another preferred embodiment, a protective head gear has an impactmeasurement system. Such system comprises a pressure sensitive memberwhich is arranged between the dual shell layers, or elsewhere if a dualshell construction is not employed. The pressure sensitive member isarranged to rupture upon experiencing a predetermined impact force; andsuch predetermined force is below that believed to lead to CTE.

In yet another preferred embodiment, the pressure sensitive memberreleases a perceptible signal upon rupturing. The pressure sensitivemember may be inserted in or near the bladder, in any design using same;or said pressure sensitive member may lie outside the bladder, betweensuch bladder and outer shell; or said pressure sensitive member may lieinside the bladder, between such bladder and an inner shell, which mayassist with the emission of said signal.

A perceptive signal may arise from the release of a fluid containingdye, where the dye is contained in the bladder or other containmentmechanism to avoid general release eternal to the helmet. However, in apreferred embodiment the fluid containing dye is visible from theoutside of said helmet.

These various signaling embodiments may utilize a dynamically responsivemember, or they may be used alone. Further, said signal may be triggeredat impact forces typically believed to lead to CTE in the longer term(or slightly below such level) or concussive force levels in the nearterm. Additionally, several signaling members may be employed at thesame time, but which are set at gradually increasing trigger values.This arrangement would yield a more quantitative indication of theamount of stress the brain has seen; as opposed to the more qualitativego no-go indication with a single signaling member.

In yet another preferred embodiment, the signaling means may constructedin the basic manner described, including for example a single orplurality of signaling agents (and with a single or a plurality ofbladders or other containment methods), and it could be used in abladder with or without dynamic responsive materials. However, thesignaling device may also be arranged as a stand-alone device which maybe retrofitted into existing helmets.

In another preferred embodiment, the head gear comprises a dual shellstructure, having a front side and a back side, wherein said dual shellstructure comprises an inner shell and an outer shell, with such innershell being separated from said outer shell by a functional gapcontaining a plurality of compartments. Said plurality of compartmentsarranged to be create radially differentiated zones; with said zoneshaving different materials therein which in turn have differentmechanical or physical properties. The radially differentiated zoneshaving radially differentiated properties which causes said helmet torotate upon impact; with such rotation being around an axisapproximating the vertical axis created by the direction of the wearer'sspine. Other axes of rotation may be achieved (e.g., forward tilting,backward tilting, or any other axis) by creating the appropriate radialmismatch in properties.

This rotational movement should be able to capture energy, in anysituation where the rotation comprises circular movement of said outershell relative to said inner shell, thereby reducing the amount ofenergy available to be transmitted to the wearer's head. Theseembodiments should reduce energy transmitted even in an instance wherethe radial zone only serves to amplify natural rotation mechanics uponimpact.

Dissimilar impact properties may be created with at least one zone witha more rigid response upon impact and at least one zone with a lessrigid response upon impact; similarly one could employ at least one zonearranged to exhibit high elastic strain upon impact and at least onezone with low elastic strain upon impact. One skilled in the art couldenvision various material characteristics which render differentresponses; the correlating materials of construction available to renderthese properties are within the scope of this invention.

In another preferred embodiment, a form-fitting comfortable head gear ismade with a shell structure, wherein said shell structure furthercomprises a functional gap, with said functional gap arranged betweensaid shell structure and the head of the wearer of the head gear. Thefunctional gap houses a bladder arranged to contain dynamicallyresponsive materials creating a deformable member. The deformable memberis designed to create a negative clearance with the wearer's head, suchthat said deformable member deforms during the insertion of the wearer'shead into said head gear.

The negative clearance results in a tight fit with the wearer's head,but it is comfortable and easy to insert the wearer's head because thedeformable member comprises a dynamically responsive material, whereinsaid dynamically responsive material is arranged to react during thestress of the insertion of said wearer's head. This reaction causes apartial relaxation of the material as the vibration and disruption allowthe material to deform more easily; but the material returns to itsoriginal shape (in the bladder) and its original stiffness.

This embodiment results in a tight fit with the wearer's head, therebyenabling the design mechanics of the helmet to be active and eliminatingor reducing the secondary impact of the helmet to the head on impact.While the fit may be tighter, it is comfortable, because the tightnessarises from the helmet's ability to extend farther around thecircumference of the head (or, for example, farther into the jaw areawhich is normally open and therefore providing no support orprotection).

In a preferred embodiment, the negative clearance helmet may beconstructed such that said bladder may be arranged to have at least asecond dynamically responsive material, or a second bladder containing asecond dynamically responsive material.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a view of a preferred embodiment of the helmet disclosed inthe present invention;

FIG. 2 is a view of another preferred embodiment disclosed;

FIG. 3 is a view showing additional features which may be used withvarious of the preferred embodiments disclosed;

FIG. 4 is a view of yet another preferred embodiment;

FIG. 5 is a view of the final preferred embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference is made to FIG. 1 for the illustration of one preferredembodiment of an energy absorbing helmet made according to the presentinvention which is designated generally by the reference numeral 10. Inthis embodiment the helmet 10 has a dual shell structure, with an outershell 11 being separated from an inner shell 12 by a functional gap 13.The functional gap 13 is at least partially occupied by a bladder 14.

The bladder is at least partially filled with a dynamically responsivematerial. The bladder may contain compartments to contain saiddynamically responsive material (not shown) or bladders (not shown)within the main bladder 14. Upon impact the relative movement of theshells triggers a response from the dynamically responsive material.

In another preferred embodiment, said outer shell 12 is less rigid thaninner shell 11. This will result in elastic energy being absorbed by theouter shell upon the relative deformation. Additionally, this type ofembodiment could increase the stresses placed upon the bladder 14(thereby increasing the response from the dynamically responsivematerial).

Reference is now made to another preferred embodiment of the presentinvention, which is illustrated at FIG. 2. The same structures,components and features existing in this embodiment; that have beenintroduced in previous figures or embodiments will be represented by thesame reference numeral with, however, the addition of a prime marking.In instances where this scheme may cause confusion, for example, acomponent in a similar location, but serving a different function, suchcomponent may be assigned a new numeric designation. This figure againshows a helmet 10′ of a dual shell structure, consisting of an outershell 11′ and an inner shell (not shown). This cut-away view showspotential placement of a plurality of bladders, wherein the placementcan cause oriented properties. The properties may be varied to create arotational strain component to the relative movement of the shells (withrespect to one another). For example, a highly reactive material may beplaced in at least one bladder 21, while a less reactive material may beplaced in a different bladder 22. The location of these bladders (thatis, numbers 21 and 22) will affect the degree and direction of rotation.

In this embodiment the placement of the bladders is only meant to beillustrative, and several bladders may contain similar materials (notshown or indicated in this figure). This figure shows a design thatwould tend to create rotation with an axis that would approximate anaxis collinear with the wearer's spine.

Additionally, the materials in the bladders may not be of high and lowreactivity; they may experience an opposite type of response. Forexample a first bladder may contain a rheopectic material and a secondbladder may contain a thixotropic material.

Referring now to FIG. 3, another helmet 10′ embodiment is shown. Thisview is a half section, of a dual shell structure, consisting of anouter shell 11′ and an inner shell (not shown). Similarly, this designshows a plurality of bladders, with a first set of bladders 21′ havingproperties that vary from a second set of bladders 22.′ The significanceof this design is that the induced rotation upon impact would tend to bearound an axis nearly approximating an axis that runs through the earhole(s) 31 in the helmet 10.′

This figure also illustrates another embodiment that includes an impactlevel indicator in the form of a signaling means 32. The size, location,and orientation of the signaling means are meant for illustrativepurposes only; this embodiment shows a member that may be sized toretrofit into standard helmets (not shown), and may be placed in betweenpads or above pads near the top of the helmet (not shown). The signalingmeans 32 may provide a signal that is visible from the outside of thehelmet while it is being worn. For example, the signaling means 32 maybe seen through a slot 33, which may be made expressly for that purpose,or it may be an air vent (not shown) in a standard helmet. The helmet10′ may have a signaling means 32 attached permanently or temporarilyby, for example, and adhesive or a hook and loop type of fastener (notshown); other methods of attachment known to those skilled in the artmay also be used.

Referring now to FIG. 4, another helmet 10′ embodiment is shown. Thisview is a half section, of a dual shell structure, consisting of anouter shell 11′ and an inner shell 12.′ However, this figure showsdifferent bladder configurations, and adds a structural component whichallows stress to be conveyed from the outer shell 11′ to the inner shell12.′ The added structural component may serve as an engagement member41, and there may be a plurality of such members placed at variouslocations around the helmet (three are shown). The engagement member 41may be arranged adjacent to, adjoining, or to serve as a constrainingside of a bladder 42. In yet another embodiment the engagement member44, is separate from, and may be placed a distance from the bladder 43.

This illustration contemplates various configurations of bladders anddesigned placements, it also contemplates various designs for engagementmembers. These examples are only meant to demonstrate the concepts andto provide examples; those skilled in the art will recognize variousmaterials which could successfully be used as engagement members anddesigns for such members and bladders.

Referring now to FIG. 5, another helmet 10′ embodiment is shown. Thisview is a half section, of a shell structure, consisting of an outershell 11′ and may also comprise an inner shell (not shown). Thisillustration shows a first deformable member 51 and a second deformablemember 52. The distance between the edges forming the opening of theouter shell 11′ is greater than the distance between said firstdeformable member 51 and second deformable member 52. This negativeclearance allows for a smaller opening in helmet 10′ while maintaining atight fit with the wearer's head; where the deformable members comprisedynamically responsive materials, the jarring action of pressing thehelmet onto the wearer's head could cause a transition or phase changein the materials. This reaction could render the helmet 10′ easier toslide on to the head; however, once the subtle jarring or vibration typeof motion ceases, the deformable member(s) would regain the stiffproperties necessary for securing the helmet during impact.

In this embodiment, a thixotropic material may be used, or a combinationor blend with other materials may be used, including the dynamicallyresponsive materials disclosed herein. Furthermore, the deformablemembers (51 and 52) may be comprised of bladders containing thematerial, or of a matrix which serves to hold the material in place. Inthis disclosure generally, it is recognized by those skilled in the art,that various configurations or designs may be arranged to constrain,hold, or support a dynamically responsive material; this disclosure andthese figures are not meant to be limiting in that regard.

The deformable members may be used along edges of the helmet 10,′whether arranged to be affixed to the outer shell 11′ or an inner shell12′ (where such inner shell is employed); with such placement being atthe opening region which is more forward facing, or the opening regionwhich is more downward facing (not shown). These designs which providemore support to the facial area and the lower skull region,respectively; while maintaining a level of comfort and ease of headinsertion.

While this disclosure refers to general illustrative embodiments as wellas various particular embodiments, it should be understood that thedisclosure is not limited thereto. Modifications can be made to theembodiments described herein without departing from the spirit and scopeof the present disclosure, even where certain modifications aresuggested, this disclosure is not necessarily exhaustive. Those skilledin the art with access to this disclosure will recognize additionalmodifications, embodiments, and methods of use within the scope of thisdisclosure; and similarly, additional fields of use in which thedisclosed invention could be applied may be contemplated. Therefore,this detailed description is not meant to be limiting. Further, it isunderstood that the apparatus and methods described herein can beimplemented in many different embodiments of hardware, devices, orsystems. Any actual apparatus, method of manufacture, or method of use,described is not meant to be limiting. The operation and behavior of theapparatus and methods presented are described with the understandingthat modifications and variations of the embodiments as well asmodalities of use and operation are possible.

1. An impact reducing head gear comprising: A dual shell structure,having a front side and a back side, wherein said dual shell structurecomprises an inner shell and an outer shell, with such inner shell beingseparated from said outer shell by a functional gap; A bladder arrangedto contain a dynamically responsive member, wherein said bladdercomprises at least one compartment and is arranged to be disposed insaid functional gap.
 2. The head gear of claim 1, wherein saiddynamically responsive member comprises a thixotropic material.
 3. Thehead gear of claim 1, wherein said dynamically responsive membercomprises a rheopectic material.
 4. The head gear of claim 1, whereinsaid dynamically responsive member comprises a combination of athixotropic and a rheopectic material.
 5. The head gear of claim 1,wherein said dynamically responsive member comprises a plurality ofdynamically responsive materials wherein said dynamically responsivemember comprises orientation.
 6. The head gear of claim 5, wherein saidorientation comprises a first structure arranged at said front side anda second structure arranged at said back side.
 7. The head gear of claim5, wherein said first structure is separated from said second structureby a separation means.
 8. The head gear of claim 1, wherein saiddynamically responsive member exhibits a dynamic response upon impact.9. The head gear of claim 2, wherein said dynamically responsive memberexhibits a dynamic response upon impact.
 10. The head gear of claim 3,wherein said dynamically responsive member exhibits a dynamic responseupon impact.
 11. The head gear of claim 4, wherein said dynamicallyresponsive member exhibits a dynamic response upon impact.
 12. The headgear of claim 9, wherein said dynamic response absorbs impact energy.13. The head gear of claim 10, wherein said dynamic response absorbsimpact energy.
 14. The head gear of claim 11, wherein said dynamicresponse absorbs impact energy.
 15. An impact reducing head gearcomprising: A dual shell structure, having a front side and a back side,wherein said dual shell structure comprises an inner shell and an outershell, with such inner shell being separated from said outer shell by afunctional gap, wherein said inner shell is more rigid than said outershell; A bladder arranged to contain a dynamically responsive member,wherein said bladder comprises at least one compartment and is arrangedto be disposed in said functional gap.
 16. The head gear of claim 15,wherein said outer shell is arranged to deflect upon impact.
 17. Thehead gear of claim 16, wherein said deflection of said outer shellcauses a deflection impact to be translated to said dynamicallyresponsive member.
 18. The head gear of claim 17, wherein saiddeflection impact causes said dynamically responsive material to exhibita dynamic response.